Balloonists take to the skies over Umbria’s wine valley

The Sagrantino Italian International Balloon Challenge Cup is underway in Umbria, Italy, drawing dozens of balloonists from around the world for what organizers say is the “most relaxed event” of the year. Nathan Frandino reports.

Under the Umbrian sun, the Italian countryside got hot early on Saturday morning.

And once things got hot, these folks got high.

BALLOONIST ROBIN MERCER FROM NORTHERN IRELAND SAYING:

“Ballooning, I must say, ballooning is something really, really special.”

Robin Mercer from Northern Ireland joined dozens of other balloon enthusiasts from across the world… all descending and then ascending here over the Sagrantino wine valley this week.

They’re vying for the Sagrantino Italian International Balloon Challenge Cup.

Though for Mercer, it seems to be less about the cup and more about the views.

BALLOONIST ROBIN MERCER FROM NORTHERN IRELAND SAYING:

“It’s a lovely way of seeing the world, when you’re looking, it’s not like being in an aeroplane or a helicopter. You can look 360 degrees and you don’t know where you are going to go, you don’t know where you’re going to land, and it is something really, really special.”

Organizers describe the cup as the “most relaxed event” of the year for hot air balloon fans.